Residents are being tricked into buying goods online, door-to-door, by phone, text and email, the LGA said, with councils advising people not to accept services from strangers or cold callers.

Simon Blackburn, chairman of the LGA's Safer and Stronger Communities Board, warned the public to be "cautious", adding: "If something doesn't seem right or sounds too good to be true, don't hesitate to end a phone call, bin a letter, delete an email or shut the door."

He advised people to report scams to avoid others becoming victims of these "despicable crimes" and so fraudsters could be brought to justice, with councils seeking "the toughest penalties".